Evolution of an Aging Woman

Michelle was a size five in high school. She weighed one-hundred ten pounds and was quite athletic. In addition to being the head cheerleader of her Southern High Cougars cheerleading squad, Michelle played tennis and volleyball. In her free time, she could often be found running 5K road races in less than nineteen minutes where she would win trophies to add to the growing collection of shiny brass that adorned the shelves above her bedroom desk.

But that was ten years ago. During the decade's days that dashed by in a seeming dream since high school graduation, Michelle had realized the thwarting reality of the forewarned "freshman fifteen". She had experienced firsthand, the havoc that carrying a nine pound baby boy could create, and her tennis shoes had not touched a tennis court or running course in more time than she could recall. Michelle's emotions meandered around a maze that muddled the images of who she was ten years ago versus who she is today, as she tried to determine a course that would lead her to who she wanted to be.

Michelle was no longer a one-hundred ten pound athlete with an abundance of spare time to spend traveling to weekend road races where she could bring home the gold. Instead, she was a one-hundred fifty pound single mom who worked two jobs and felt fully fatigued when her feet finally found the front door of her brick ranch haven. Michelle was tired, depleted of energy, and unhappy with the person who had evolved from pleated cheer leading skirts to elastic waist pants. She was knocking on thirty's door and she wanted to make sure that when it opened, a healthier, happier human was on the other side to greet it.

Focused and determined, Michelle made a plan. She established goals that were measurable and achievable, and she resolved to attain them in a realistic time frame. Michelle adopted a "no excuses" mantra and revisited it often, especially on early mornings when her alarm clock's snooze button looked much more desirable than a Tone Zone dvd, or when a frosted, flaky pastry seemed to appeal to her palette much more than an egg white omelet with tomatoes and spinach. Michelle disciplined herself to stay the course, stick with her plan and continue visualizing the woman she wanted to be even before she knew her.

Her newly adopted regimen of eating healthfully and exercising, extended well past the proven sixty-six days it takes to form a new habit. Michelle loved her new-found energy, adored her younger wardrobe, and took pride in the appearance of a woman twenty pounds lighter smiling back at her from her full length mirror three and a half months after she decided to make a positive change in her life. In her head, Michelle knew she may never again be the hundred ten pound cheerleader jumping from the top of the pyramid into the arms of fellow squad members. But in her heart, Michelle jumped with the joy daily of knowing that she did not have to be stuck in a body and lifestyle that hindered her spirit. She was healthy and she was active, and that was something to cheer about a decade past high school, and for decades to come.

This article is brought to you by DATING ADVICE.

Back to School Reading for YOU!

In Flow, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the author shares his research about the "flow" state, when you are so absorbed in the task at hand that your negative chatter mind is quieted. You wind up engaged, losing track of time, and calmer. Csikszentmihalyi suggests that this may be what happiness is.

During his research, he found that most people enter a state of flow when they are reading a book they love. I've had times that I've started reading, then looked up at the clock, amazed that more than an hour has gone by.

Since everyone is heading back to school, I wanted to share five books with you that I've read and loved. I've listed three novels, a memoir, and a non-fiction book, so I hope you find something that sweeps you away into a state of flow.

Let's get started.

--One of the most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of getting lost in is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce. Harold Fry has retired from his job, and can't find much to do with his time, when he receives a letter from an old friend. His friend is dying in hospice and just wanted to say goodbye.

Unsure how to respond, Harold composes a short letter and heads off to the post to mail it. However, when he gets to the first post box, he decides to walk a little further, to the next post, and so begins a journey that is by turns charming, heart-breaking, uplifting, and transformative.

This slim volume will take your breath away.

--If you're looking for something non-fiction, try Lost and Found: Unexpected Revelations About Food and Money by Geneen Roth. I first read Roth's book Women, Food, and God for The Foods We Eat Study Circle, so I was interested in hearing what she had to say about money.

A lot, as it turns out.

Roth and her husband lost more than a million dollars in the Bernie Madoff implosion, and this is her story of trying to understand, trying to cope, and eventually changing her relationship with money.

The book is brutally honest and forthright, and a terrific read, especially if something in your own life has not gone as expected.

--Next up is Anna Quindlen's Every Last One, a terrific novel about family, love, and loss.

The narrator, Mary Beth, is a busy mother of three teenagers, a girl and twin boys. Mary Beth is crazed by her hectic schedule which revolves around her family, but she loves the fullness of her life.

When a shocking act of violence disrupts her world, Mary Beth has to rely on an inner strength she didn't know she possessed.

Quindlen's writing is spot on - real and genuine, without being syrupy or condescending. I found myself thinking about these characters long after I turned the final page.

--I love a good memoir and the ability and willingness an author has to share a part of her life. In Take the Long Way Home, Gail Caldwell begins, "It's an old, old story: I had a friend and we shared everything, and then she died, and we shared that too."

Caldwell's friend is author Caroline Knapp, and the memoir is a beautiful tribute. They meet because of their dogs (I love any story where dogs are central!) and wind up forging a friendship that transcends time and loss.

It's the story of the bond that two women share, and how they navigate that tricky terrain of a best friend relationship.

--Finally, you must read the un-put-downable Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Apparently, this book was the surprise hit of the summer, but I hadn't heard of it until a friend sent it to me.

Gone Girl tells the story of the relationship between Amy and Nick, husband and wife. Only this isn't your average run-of-the-mill marriage.

The novel is a psychological thriller, complete with intriguing characters, plot twists, and a mystery that must be solved. I usually have a hard time with mysteries because they are often so predictable to me, but this one had me on the edge of my seat until the final page.

Put the phone on voicemail, order dinner in, and pick up Gone Girl for a marvelous ride.

Check out any of these five recommendations for an experience of flow and letting go. And when you finish, drop me a line to let me know what you thought.

Happy Reading and Happy Flow!

This news article is brought to you by PARENTING KIDS - where latest news are our top priority.

Past Trends That Refuse to Fizzle

Summer has come and gone but the best fashions of this season and seasons before are still lingering around. I am a huge fan of these trends because, for me, most of them feel timeless. I love items that are able to express playfulness and creativity in a casual look while also being able to appear chic and polished. I'm hoping these styles will last long into the next year or two.

Color-Block
This combination of bold colors is so cheerful and chic. It makes such an incredibly stylish statement with bright and vivid hues without being the least bit tacky (unless of course, that's what you're going for.) Designer's use of this trend has shown us just what it can do to liven up a piece of clothing, but you can also custom color block your outfits on your own. Match a bright top with a neutral bottom, adding a jacket or accessories of complimentary colors.

Ombre
This trend is named after a French word of the same spelling that means, "shaded." The shading can be identified by one color that gracefully transitions into another. You've seen this style in clothes patterns and nail decorations, but I think it is best known for its representation in hair. I first noticed the ombre on Khloe Kardashian and I instantly fell in love. It looked so free and natural on her long, pretty hair and I immediately wanted to copy her.

Sheer Tops
When I see woman in a sheer, button-down top I think "classy," "professional," and "elegant." When it's paired with shorts or skinny jeans in a more casual look, I think "ingenious." These tops are so versatile, adding a bit of class to even the most avant-garde outfits.

Maxi Skirts
There is so much movement in this style of skirt; it makes even the clumsiest walker look like they have more grace in their step. The style is something reminiscent of early seventies hippie fashion. Paired with a loose tank and the right sandals, you will feel as free and laidback as you look.

Peek-a-Boo Leopard Print
I can't really justify my love for leopard print. I think it has always just been a curious attraction that I, as well as most girls, have but can't explain. I mean, I don't really have the personality that goes with animal prints in general, but if I see a pop of leopard print in an outfit, I go crazy for it. This pattern has always spoken to me as being a little "bad ass." Revealing subtle hints of it, in just the right amounts can make an outfit stand out.

Peter Pan Collar
You've seen this trend in the kind of clothes your mom dressed you in as a child. Consider yourself an innovator. Today, this trend is being recreated by the biggest names in fashion. The Peter Pan collar you know has now been revived in the most spectacular ways. My favorite collars are the ones that are blinged out beyond belief.

This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.

Famous Female Blackjack Players

The First Qualified Blackjack Performer - Eleanore Dumont

The first famous female Blackjack performer was none other than Eleanore Dumont. Born in France, she brought to the rugged gold mines of America her refined, European manners. An expert dealer, she opened gambling facilities during the hey day of the Gold Rush in mining towns across the West. She allowed no cursing or unkept men in her establishment and, oddly enough, banned women from playing at her tables. Ever refined, keeping men at arms length, once she amassed her fortune she fell head over heels in love with a con artist who would take every dime and sell her ranch.

She rebuilt her establishment, but as she aged she lost much of the mystery and allure that had once enticed so many gamblers who contributed to her wealth. As she passed her child bearing years she grew heavy facial hair and was called, behind her back of course, Madame Mustache. The Madame, however, stemmed more from her decision to branch out into the prostitution business, running both a gambling house and brothel in her late years.

Card Counter Blackjack - Cathy Hulbert

The only woman to hold the honor of being called one of the world's best Seven Card Stud poker players by Card Player magazine, Cathy Hulbert is a popular female player revered by Blackjack players across the globe.

It was during her college days that Hulbert honed her skills at the card table. After graduating college she left her gambling activities behind and worked for the Senate in New York. It wasn't long before she realized gambling was her passion. Packing her suit case, she moved to Las Vegas, landing a job as a blackjack dealer. An encounter with Ken Uston altered the course of her life. Part of the Czechs team of card counters, she became his eager student and eventually joined his group. She toured with The Czechs during the 60s and 70s, accumulating a small fortune in winnings.

Expelled from several casinos and even arrested, Cathy quietly changed her MO. She would often pose as a man, donning a wig and fake beard. She eventually switched to slots and, while not a game that is known for substantial payout, managed to do quite well. Today she still plays professionally.

Current Female Players

Today, there are a number of well known female blackjack players touring the circuit. Jennifer Tilly, a brash, Oscar nominated actress can often be seen playing televised tournaments. Annie Duke is another famous player better known as The Duchess of poker. These and other female players credit their success to skill and plain old women's intuition - and it seems to be working.

This article is brought to you by PERSONALS.

Clothing Tips for Women

Who says it is easy to be a woman? There are so many things that a woman has to worry about - the kids, the household chores, husband/boyfriend, career and most importantly her wardrobe!

But fear not! Nowadays, you can find so many tips on the Internet. In fact, you are going to learn some useful clothing tips in this article.

Tip 1: Always Have a Maxi Dress In Your Wardrobe

Every woman should own a maxi dress. If you are a woman and you do not have a maxi dress in your wardrobe you should consider buying one immediately.

Why maxi dress? Well, there is a very simple reason. Anyone can wear a maxi dress. (Obviously, I am referring to women only.) It does not matter whether you are 50 or 30. It does not matter whether you are fat or thin. As long as you are a woman, you can wear a maxi dress.

In fact, I like to call a maxi dress a wonder dress.

Tip 2: Confidence Is Key

I know this is suppose to be an article about clothing tips. This is not suppose to be a self improvement article. However, I believe that it is still important to talk about confidence.

Ultimately, if you do not have confidence in yourself, you will not be able to portray the beauty even if you are wearing the best dress in the world.

On the other hand, if you radiate confidence, you will look beautiful even if you just wear a simple t-shirt.

Tip 3: Black Is The Ultimate Color

Sometimes, it can be difficult to choose a dress when there are so many colors to choose from.

Well, here is an advice for you. When in doubt, just choose black. Of course, I am not saying that a black color dress is suitable for every single occasion. However, black is probably one of the most versatile color when it comes to clothing.

Black can be easily paired with other colors. Another advantage of a black color dress is that it doesn't get 'dirty' too easily. At least, people won't notice the dirtiness).

Tip 4: Go For Discount and Sales

Most women probably spend a significant amount of their income on clothes. Therefore, I decided to share this tip with you.

Many shops offer great discount from time to time. Sometimes, you will know when a sales will be coming. Why not wait for the sales period. You can get a lot of great bargain by waiting for the sales.

When you can save money, you will have more money to buy other clothes or women accessories, if that is what you chose to do with the extra money. Isn't that a great idea?

This news article is brought to you by SEXUAL HEALTH NEWS - where latest news are our top priority.

Maintaining A Timeless Look For All Seasons With Women's Clothing

Keeping up with fashionable women's clothing today doesn't have to break the bank. A great closet is filled with basic items of women's clothing that one can wear today or ten years from now. Take for example the classic 'A' lined skirt. This kind of skirt can be great for a formal occasion or work attire. Another basic item would be the classic black dress as this can work with any occasion. A simple white blouse can go with just about any outfit one selects and is a necessity for most work attires. Scarf's and fashionable women's clothing can be a really great way to dress up any outfit and adds such a sophisticated and feminine touch. It can be a solid or mixed color variation depending on one's likes and preferences as well as what is already in one's closet.

Basic Accessories To Purchase

A great pair of boots can bring out the dressy look or with a pair of jeans can have a very casual look. Many women have several different kinds of boots that vary in heel heights which is very practical. Most will purchase boots in colors like black, brown, navy while others prefer tan or even white. There is nothing like the look or feel of a brand new pair of shoes. Getting a color that matches a majority of your outfits would be a smart move. Having an alternate pair compliments the changes of outfits and gives off a sense of fashionable flair. One of these pairs of shoes could be flats while the other can be a higher heel. The color one selects should be one that is very versatile with all the outfits so no matter which pair one decides on wearing each day the shoes will always match the women's clothing. Most will get black and possibly a light color alternative like tan which are great choices.

More Necessities And Must Haves

A beautiful handbag is something every woman looks at and notices no matter where they are. Selecting the perfect purse to hold all one's precious possessions is very important as this is one of the very first things everyone notices. The question that comes to mind is always what color is the best and what kind of handbag should one purchase. This is simple as this is an everyday item and as long as the handbag is a quality item, it will last for a very long time and should fit the individual's lifestyle.

Keep In Mind

Everyone has their own different style when it comes to putting together an outfit. What is attractive to one may not get the same reaction from another. However if one feels good about what they are wearing that is really what is important. Putting together various pieces like a skirt from a suit matched up with a blouse from another suit can be very appealing and makes it look like an entirely different outfit all together. Collecting great designer pieces slowly will make sure that article of Women's Clothing will last for a good period of time. The thing to keep in mind as well would be different styles always come back time after time so never throw away these precious pieces as they will be of use in the very near future.

Assessing the Superiority of a Diamond

Diamond
Diamond is a naturally occurring material, a transparent crystal which is an allotrope of carbon. It stands for its hardness and thermal conductivity apart from any other material. In point of fact, it is the hardest natural material. The typical luster characteristic is owing to its high optical dispersion, which means that it has the ability to scatter light of different colors. That's why the diamonds sparkle brilliantly. Due to its extreme hardness, it can be scratched only by another diamond, thus the shine and polish remain intact forever. Thus excels as a popular gemstone.

The quality characteristics of a diamond converge to a single term denoted as 4c. The 4c determine the significance and beauty. The 4c refer to the tetra characteristics namely, Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Thus to rate diamonds, experts rely on the 4c. Let's have a glance at the description of the tetra characteristics here:

Cut
The cut characteristic refers to the depth and width proportion, and the uniformity of the facets. This proportion and uniformity attributes plays a significant role in the sparkle and brilliant glitter of a diamond. If the cut is low, then it allows most of the incident light to pass down through it, leaving a little light to reflect. The result is that the gemstone appears dull, lacking brilliance. When the cut is too deep, the diamond will allow the light to pass through the sides and in this case too, it will appear unexciting, lacking sparkle. Hence, an ideal cut will reflect and scatter the light in symphony, creating optimum luster and radiance.

The uniformity of the facets too, plays a vital role in its twinkling outcome. The scintillation effect means the flash that can be visualized when the diamond is moved in the light. This upshot is resultant of a symmetrical arrangement of the facets. This proportioned alignment is crucial to a diamond's beauty.

Color
The white or colorless diamonds are most valued, noted for transparency and lack of color. Compared to white diamonds, the colored ones are discounted in price. The impurities or structural defects renders to the coloration, reducing its grade. Based on the Gemological Institute of America [GIA] color scale, they are graded from D to Z, where D-graded diamonds are pure white diamonds and the z-ranked stones are tainted with yellow or brown shade. For a non-expert, there is little or no color variation in the D-H range. Whereas, the S-Z range are slightly colored and the tint is often visible for a naked eye.

Clarity
Out of the 4c, clarity is regarded as the easiest to estimate, in the sense that an average consumer can understand it due to its straightforwardness. The inclusions and blemishes are the two defects that spoil the clarity of a perfect diamond.

Inclusions are the interior irregularities of a diamond that may be a crack or a crystal of foreign material within it, affecting the clarity. Blemishes are the exterior defects or marks, affecting the surface. The inclusions and blemishes are visible only under a powerful microscope. The GIA uses 10x power magnification to grade the clarity of a diamond. The location, color and visibility of the defects are considered, when ranking the clarity.

Carat
The carat characteristic determines the weight of diamond and is different from the term 'karat' used to measure the purity of gold. Carat is the unit of weight that is used to weigh diamonds and other gemstones. It is not necessary that gemstones of same weight are to the same size, for the reason that some crystals are closely packed and are denser than others.

Usually one carat is split into 100 points, and stones weighing less than a carat are measured in terms of points. As the carat weight of a diamond is more, so is the price. A group of smaller diamonds usually cost low than a solitary larger diamond of equivalent weight. Larger diamonds are rare and most sought for, so they are more expensive. This is so because, to produce a single well-polished and fine-cut one carat diamond, it is required to mine approximately one million diamonds.

Buying diamonds?!
I suppose that this article would have thrown some light upon the attributes of diamonds. If you sought after gemstone jewelry, don't forget to probe the jeweler about the 4c of diamond! Good luck for a perfect gemstone jewelry!

This article is brought to you by DATING SERVICE.